The Gateway Into Vancouver’s Dance Music Scene

Public Disco transforms plazas, streets & laneways into free all ages dance clubs for people of all walks of life to connect through music.

In the late 60s and early 70s discotheques emerged as safe haven for marginalized groups such as blacks, latinos and lgbtq+ folks to connect and express themselves without fear of persecution. These spaces began as private members-only clubs, but over time this counterculture made it’s way out of the underground, influencing the mainstream sound of the 70s and paving the way for the development of house, techno and other forms of dance music. The foundation of DJ culture that we know today came out of a struggle for space and acceptance.

We aim to honour this colourful history by creating a space that celebrates queer identity, encourages vibrant self-expression, showcases a diverse array of artists and provides a no-cost opportunity for the public to enjoy music and dancing side by side. While the format of our events is certainly different from disco’s origins, its core elements of love, happiness, expression and acceptance shine bright in everything we do.